Carroll Community College Welcomes Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to Campus as Part of Justice System to Careers Initiative

Westminster, MD – In a groundbreaking effort to support at-risk youth and their families, Carroll Community College (Carroll) recently hosted the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) as part of its innovative Justice System to Careers Initiative for Juveniles (JSCI-J). This visit is part of a pilot program designed to transform the futures of young individuals involved in the justice system by providing them with educational and career opportunities.

During the recent visit, a group of 20 DJS staff and clients, Carroll County Workforce Development, Global Necessity, and College staff, toured the campus and participated in a lunch-and-learn session. Stakeholders from various areas, including Campus Police, Adult Education, Student Success Services, Global Necessity, and Workforce Development, provided information about support services to the group.

A group of Department of Juvenile Services staff and clients, Carroll County Workforce Development, Global Necessity, and Carroll Community College staff, toured the college’s campus and participated in a lunch-and-learn session.

“We are thrilled with the success of the lunch-and-learn college tour organized by Carroll Community College, said Tracy Whitaker, Regional Director, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services Western Region. “It was great to learn about the resources and wrap-around services Carroll Community College has in place for its students,” she added.

This event gave their clients and staff invaluable insights into higher education and career pathway opportunities, highlighting the various components of attending college. The tour also showcased areas where participants can get specialty training for a high-paying job in 8 weeks or less.

Whether through short-term credentialing, obtaining their GED, securing a high-paying job, or all of the above, the College looks forward to co-promoting the career pathways and wrap-around services to help at-risk youth succeed.

“We’re excited to partner with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services as part of our ongoing efforts to bolster the educational programming and support available to the justice community here in Carroll County,” said Kelly Koermer, Vice President of Workforce Business, Community and Education.

This initiative integrates the county’s resource services into a seamless ecosystem, connecting participants to necessary service providers through case management. Specifically designed for juveniles, JSCI-J varies its engagement based on age, parent/guardian involvement, and
program eligibility. JSCI and JSCI-J are being piloted for one year, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

“We look forward to future tours and fostering a brighter future for our community’s youth together,” said Tracy Whitaker.

Carroll Community College is committed to continuing its efforts to support at-risk youth and their families through the JSCI-J program. The college aims to empower individuals to achieve their full potential by offering educational opportunities and robust support services.

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Source: Carroll Community College press release